Dr M: Govt to forge ahead on 'long-delayed' pledge to amend draconian laws

PUTRAJAYA: Pakatan Harapan will honour its pledge its long-delayed pledge to amend draconian laws as soon as possible, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Prime Minister said this includes amending the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma), particularly the provision that allows detention without trial.

"We had a closed-door meeting and discussed on the need to amend laws that are deemed draconian.

"Although we may not abolish the laws totally, some sections of it – especially those that are said to be draconian – will be amended.

"This includes the provision to allow detention without trial within Sosma. We will do this as soon as possible," said Dr Mahathir after chairing the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting here Tuesday (Nov 5) night.

When asked if this had to do with the recent arrests of individuals accused of having links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Dr Mahathir said that Pakatan had promised to get rid of such laws.

"We made this promise before but we were delayed because of certain factors.

"So we now feel we need to take action immediately, because we fear the laws could be used," said Dr Mahathir, who is Pakatan chairman.

Two DAP assemblymen and ten other men have been charged for alleged links to the LTTE, which Malaysia deems as a terrorist outfit.

When asked how soon the laws could be amended, Dr Mahathir said it would be done "as soon as possible".

"If possible, we would like to do it in the current Parliament session. If not, we will do it next year," he said.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Pakatan president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Other Pakatan leaders present were PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

Dr Mahathir added that the council also discussed the ongoing Tanjung Piai by-election.

"We discussed several possibilities and actions that Pakatan need to take in Tanjung Piai.

"We believe that we have a chance to win, but in order to do so, we must work hard and go to the ground.

"I myself will go and campaign in Tanjung Piai," said Dr Mahathir.

The Bersatu chairman urged Tanjung Piai voters to support its candidate Karmaine Sardini, as he represented the ruling party.

"We hope the people there will realise that a win for Pakatan means that promises can be fulfilled, as we are both the Federal and Johor government.

"If other candidates win, they would not cause any change as the government will still be the same," he said.

The Tanjung Piai by-election sees a six-cornered fight between candidates from Pakatan, Barisan Nasional, Gerakan, Berjasa and two independent candidates.

Polling is set for Nov 16.